Dupuytren's Versatile Hand Mount

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Dear, I am Bert Vuylsteke, a student industrial design engineer at the University of Ghent in Belgium. Design is my passion, so I constantly challenge myself to reach new heights. I discovered this competition through the university's Facebook page and knew immediately that I had to accept this exciting challenge. The Within Reach competition resonates with me because it brings together volunteer work and respect for disabled people with engineering. This innovative link ensures that medical support for these individuals continues to improve, making their lives more manageable. Starting a new project is like embarking on an adventure for me. To begin my design journey, I conducted extensive research to connect with my target audience and the subject matter. My aunt, an occupational therapist, inquired about Dupuytren's contracture, which led me to borrow her manual on creating a tenodesis. This manual provided valuable inspiration that I could build upon. After refining several concepts, I selected one that I believed would be truly impactful. My design must meet three key criteria: simplicity, versatility, and uniqueness. During my research, I realized that individuals with Dupuytren's contracture (which is already at an advanced stage) are no longer able to stretch their fingers. This insight led me to create something around their fists. The fundamental part of my design features a T-shaped cutout to accommodate four essential tools: 1. Pen Holder: I couldn't imagine being unable to draw, so I had to find a solution for it. 2. Bag Holder: Holding a bag is an unconscious activity that most people take for granted in their daily lives. 3. Tweezers: This tool is crucial for grabbing small objects. 4. Wrist-Motioned Hand: This is the component I'm most proud of developing. The tool consists of two elements that open and close with wrist movement, allowing users to grasp items like drink glasses, cups, toilet paper, and clothes. My design aims to motivate muscle movement, which stimulates blood circulation and prevents finger muscles from stiffening. Unfortunately, I didn't have access to a 3D printer, so my design couldn't be reflected by the target audience. However, this is not the end of the story – I promise to continue working on this project. It's an honor to participate in this project! Thank you, and please watch my Project Video on YouTube!